Help selecting new board for Florida waves!

[Surflocal]

Hey guys, first post here, I need help selecting a new board. I have been surfing a 8'0 minimal for about 3 months now on the east coast of Florida. Not sure what my level of experience would fall under, But I can paddle for a wave, pop up, and go down the line. I can can go up and down the face when going down the section. I have a lot of fun on my mini but I'm wanting down size to a short board and this is where you guys come in.. I'm 5'11" 140lbs. I've been in the lineup talking to some guys and they would recommend boards like 5'9 (because of my weight?) then I've had some tell me not under 5'11". I have good balance and athleticism. Haven't surfed in 10 years prior to a few months ago and was able to get back into it after a day. I can surf 4 to 5 hours at a time (feel like death afterwards lol) so I have some stamina haha. I can paddle pretty well also. The main reason for the want to down size is I was out surfing a small hurricane swell beginning of this month, and I had a hard time getting out side the break. If I could have duck dived I would have had a hella of a better time. so any help would be appreciated! Length, width, thickness, and type of board suggestions would help a lot!

[dtc]

Have a read here http://surfsimply.com/surf-coaching/vol ... ht-ratios/ and the bit about volume to duck diving. I think you should aim at the biggest board you can duck dive maybe 35l.

Under 6ft might be a step too far but that is for you to decide

[Surflocal]

Have a read here http://surfsimply.com/surf-coaching/vol ... ht-ratios/ and the bit about volume to duck diving. I think you should aim at the biggest board you can duck dive maybe 35l.

Under 6ft might be a step too far but that is for you to decide

Thanks for the help, that link was very imfomative.

[waikikikichan]

Going from a 8'0 mini-mal to a 5'11" is way to much and you'll be even more tired and catch even less waves. Going down a foot in size is a huge jump already.
Getting a board based on duck diving is like putting the Cart in front of the Horse.